Deltona debates, OKs support for annual Hispanic fest

Published: Monday, July 1, 2013 at 9:10 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, July 1, 2013 at 9:22 p.m.

DELTONA — City commissioners agreed to break their own policy and waive fees for the 18th annual Latin Fest in September – but not without a debate.

The majority of the 5-2 vote Monday expressed support for one of only a handful of events that brings Deltona residents together. But the two commissioners voting against it, Nancy Schleicher and Chris Nabicht, said they had concerns about the cost and waiving fees for a long-established event run by the Volusia County Hispanic Association.

This year's Latin Fest is scheduled for Sept. 15 at the Dewey Boster Sports Complex. The event features music, food and beer, requiring the presence of 12 Volusia County sheriff's deputies.

The city agreed to cover the cost of the deputies – nearly $6,000 – plus waive fees associated with other city staff, such as parks and recreation and public works. Staff estimated the city's donation of services at $9,700, far above the commission's stated policy of supporting nonprofits for up to $2,500.

Schleicher noted that the event only raised about $1,500 last year, and said commissioners in the past have urged eliminating entitlements for nonprofits.

"I have a hard time justifying $10,000 of the city's tax money," she said. "This is not just Deltona's event, but the county's. Why is it on the backs of the city's taxpayers?"

David Santiago, a Deltona resident and state representative who was at City Hall on Monday representing the Hispanic Association, said the economy has made it more difficult to generate sponsorships.

He said the event serves mainly city residents and funds that are generated support back-to-school supplies for needy children.

Commissioner Fred Lowry said the city should support the event because it builds community.

"There's not a lot going on in Deltona," he said. "Here we have an event that's been going on for almost 20 years. ... I don't want to rain on this parade."

The majority of commissioners agreed, but several discussed different ways of approaching support of the Latin Fest in the future.

<p>DELTONA &mdash; City commissioners agreed to break their own policy and waive fees for the 18th annual Latin Fest in September – but not without a debate. </p><p>The majority of the 5-2 vote Monday expressed support for one of only a handful of events that brings Deltona residents together. But the two commissioners voting against it, Nancy Schleicher and Chris Nabicht, said they had concerns about the cost and waiving fees for a long-established event run by the Volusia County Hispanic Association. </p><p>This year's Latin Fest is scheduled for Sept. 15 at the Dewey Boster Sports Complex. The event features music, food and beer, requiring the presence of 12 Volusia County sheriff's deputies. </p><p>The city agreed to cover the cost of the deputies – nearly $6,000 – plus waive fees associated with other city staff, such as parks and recreation and public works. Staff estimated the city's donation of services at $9,700, far above the commission's stated policy of supporting nonprofits for up to $2,500. </p><p>Schleicher noted that the event only raised about $1,500 last year, and said commissioners in the past have urged eliminating entitlements for nonprofits. </p><p>"I have a hard time justifying $10,000 of the city's tax money," she said. "This is not just Deltona's event, but the county's. Why is it on the backs of the city's taxpayers?" </p><p>David Santiago, a Deltona resident and state representative who was at City Hall on Monday representing the Hispanic Association, said the economy has made it more difficult to generate sponsorships. </p><p>He said the event serves mainly city residents and funds that are generated support back-to-school supplies for needy children. </p><p>Commissioner Fred Lowry said the city should support the event because it builds community. </p><p>"There's not a lot going on in Deltona," he said. "Here we have an event that's been going on for almost 20 years. ... I don't want to rain on this parade." </p><p>The majority of commissioners agreed, but several discussed different ways of approaching support of the Latin Fest in the future.</p>